Cambridge and Surrounding Boston Suburbs: Everything You Need to Know

Cambridge and other Boston suburbs – Belmont, Watertown, Arlington, and Lexington – have a lot to offer residents, including rich history, great job opportunities, amazing shops/restaurants, as well as plenty of outdoor activities, and A-rated public schools. If you’re considering moving to the area, read on to learn more about their many assets. 

 

Cambridge has a population of around 120,000, and with Boston being just across the Charles River, it’s a great option for people wanting to be close to downtown. It also has a place on the world stage as the home of some of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard and M.I.T. The universities, in turn, contribute to a thriving job market in various industries.

 

 

Residents can visit Harvard Square, located in the heart of Cambridge, where they can indulge in some of the best eateries. Some notable places include Harvest - a delicious farm to table restaurant, along with Mr. Bartley’s Gourmet Burgers, and Clover Food Lab, Cafe Sushi & Tatte Bakery. You'll also enjoy Harvard Square's eclectic boutiques, lively nightlife, and friendly faces.

 

In addition to Harvard Square, other popular areas of Cambridge include Porter Square, Central Square, Inman Square and Kendall Square all which have their own unique vibe filled with shops and restaurants. The Red Line subway train also stops in each of these areas (except for Inman) on its way to downtown Boston making it easy for people to get in and out of the city from Cambridge.

 

 

Cambridge also has no shortage of art. Residents can visit the Harvard Art Museums, which are three impressive museums showcasing a collection of art ranging from antiquities to contemporary.

 

Belmont has around 27,000 residents and is 15 minutes outside of Boston proper. The town’s history dates back to the mid-19th century, and today it is an in-demand residential suburb.

 

 

Top things to do in Belmont include a visit to the Mass Audobon Habitat Education Center & Sanctuary, which is dedicated to exploring and conserving local flora and fauna. Or you can visit the former home of artist Winslow Homer, a historic house that dates back to 1853.

 

Foodies love il Casile in Belmont center for a great Italian meal or Bellmont Caffe for a good cup of coffee and breakfast served all day. Beer lovers, meanwhile, swarm the Craft Beer Cellar for hard-to-find brews and hops.

 

Watertown’s population hovers around 35,000, and the Boston suburb’s roots stretch back to the early 17th century when it was one of the Puritan’s first Massachusetts Bay Colony settlements. Today Watertown is an in-demand area with homebuyers that has a vibrant retail and food scene.

 

Arsenal Yards is a new amazing urban village set up right in the heart of Watertown’s historic East End. Whether you are looking for fresh groceries at Roche Bros. or national retail chains like Marshalls, Old Navy, and Nike, or smaller boutique shops, and restaurants, Arsenal Yards has you covered. Various events are also held there, as well as a beer garden and family-friendly on-screen entertainment. In addition, eateries abound on Auburn Street include the popular Stella’s Pizza and Sevan Bakery.

 

Arlington is 6 miles northwest of Boston, and the town has a population of around 46,000. The town has deep historical claims and dates back to 1635. It was the birthplace of Uncle Sam and is the location of the first public children’s library. 

 

The town’s main commercial district runs along Massachusetts Avenue and is home to charming mom-and-pops like the gift shop Arlington Centered. Popular food options include Blue Ribbon BBQ and La Victoria Taqueria.

 

 

Like other areas around Boston, Lexington lays claim to significant landmarks in American history. It is known as the place where the first shots were fired in the Revolutionary War and there are great historic museums to explore that mark that important moment in time such as Buckman Tavern and Hancock Clarke House. The town today has a population of around 34,000 and is a popular residential enclave with the Lexington Battle Green at its center.

 

If you feel like taking a bike ride, there’s a popular 10 mile paved bike path called the Minuteman Bikeway that goes through Lexington into Arlington and ends in Cambridge. There also are many popular eateries in Lexington, including long standing Mario’s Italian Restaurant, Via Lago, Royal India Bistro, Jackson’s Kitchen and Peet’s Coffee. Independent retailers in downtown Lexington include Omar’s World of Comics and the gift shop Crafty Yankee. 

 

If you're interested in a property in Boston, Cambridge, Belmont, Watertown, Arlington, Lexington, or any town in the Greater Boston area, contact The Kendall Green Luce Team today for more information as well as the latest updates on the real estate market in these areas and expert guidance in the home buying and selling process.